Listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the Colosseum in Rome is one of the most popular tourist attractions globally. It has certainly stood the test of time, especially when the completion of its construction in AD 80 is taken into consideration. To this day, the Colosseum remains to be a poignant symbol of Imperial Rome.
Year after year, millions of travelers flock to Colosseum to marvel at this architectural wonder. Given the sheer amount of people wanting to enter the Colosseum, trying to do so can be easier said than done.
With that said, here are some things to keep in mind when planning a visit to the Colosseum for a smoother, more hassle-free experience.
Expect a Crowd
This cannot be stressed enough. The popularity of the Colosseum guarantees long lines of both locals and foreigners trying to enter, so always expect a crowd. This is true most especially on weekends and during peak months for travel.
If you want to skip the lines, make sure to purchase the Roma Pass and make your reservations prior to your trip. It is recommended that reservations at least 10 days prior to your preferred date of visit.
Police Presence
Given the sheer amount of people who enter the Colosseum or loiter the surrounding area, there is ample police presence in the area to ensure order and security. This is an important bit of information to know should theft incidents and other emergencies happen.
Much has been said about the safety and security when traveling in Europe, in general, particularly when it comes to pickpockets. While the police is there to make sure everything goes smoothly, do your part as a responsible traveler and be mindful of your valuables at all times.
Related Article: Should You Avail of a Roma Pass When Visiting Rome?
You Need Your Passport
If you're a foreign traveler planning to purchase your ticket onsite, make sure you have your passport in hand. The staff at the ticket counter will ask for your passport when you purchase tickets.
While the writer of this article has not experienced trying to purchase tickets without a passport, it may be safe to assume that travelers without passports might not be allowed to purchase tickets to the Colosseum.
Not All Areas Can be Explored
You should not make the mistake of expecting that you can go anywhere and everywhere you want once you're inside the Colosseum. There are areas inside that are off-limits to visitors, and everyone is expected to respect these limitations.
While there are hardheaded tourists who still disregard off-limits areas for the sake of their vlogs or photos, it should be noted that there are security personnel and staff inside the Colosseum to ensure that order is maintained.
Special Access Areas
Certain areas within the Colosseum require special access. This means that entry into these areas are not part of the base ticket and require additional fees.
These areas include the Arena, which is where the gladiators did battle, The Gate of Death, and the Hypogeum or the Underground. The Hypogeum is a labyrinth of tunnels where gladiators stay to prepare for battle. It is also where wild animals used were also kept.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
